Raffaele Alessia

Raffaele Alessia was born on January 6, 1929 and passed away on March 17, 2012. He was surrounded by several of his beloved brothers, Lucio, Vincenzo, and Benito, his sister, Filomena, and his sister-in-law, Mary. His loving Italian family also includes brothers John, Joe, Adolph, and Sylvano, as well as sisters Mary and Rita. Raffaele was preceded in death by his parents, Maria Francesca and Gaetano Alessia, and his beloved wife of 32 years, Mary Stell. His brothers in law, sisters in law, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends will all miss him terribly.

Raffaele was born in Altomonte, Italy, the southernmost Italian region of Calabria. His family enjoyed living in a tiny house on a hill, warmed by the robust southern Mediterranean sun during the day and cooled at night by the breezes flowing from the surrounding mountains. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy from the Pontificia University in Rome. Raffaele taught philosophy for seven years in Rome, Milan, and Ventimiglia. He then brought his “foreign flair” to Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois for 25 years. He retired from Lewis University in 1990 as a professor emeritus of philosophy.

Raffaele received several very distinguished awards while teaching at Lewis University. They included a 25 year McNamara Service Award, the Christian Brothers Lasallian Award for Distinguished Service to Catholic Education, as well as the Ministry of Teaching Award. But, Raffaele said that he was most proud of the award given to him by the Student Government at Lewis University.

Raffaele’s strong spirituality was demonstrated so perfectly in his own writings. He left us with these words, “God is good and gentle, gracious and merciful, generous and benevolent: God in Love.” How perfectly this sweet man emulate this Godly description for us. He will be remembered forever in our hearts.

The visitation for Raffael will be on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 6:00p.m. thru 8:00 p.m. at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, Texas 77339. The family will have a special service for readings and reflections that will begin at 7:00 p.m.